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> Volunteer Tax Preparers Needed
Volunteer Tax Preparers Needed Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) takes a comprehensive approach to improve families and individuals lives by connecting them with the tools and services that help reach both short-term and long-term goals. The (FEC) bridges the information gap separating low-income families from life-changing public benefits, tax credits and other essential services that remain untapped and inaccessible. These basic resources increase the likelihood that families are healthy and stable, with parents who work and children who attend school. Since opening our doors to the general public in August of 2008, in its first three years, The Financial Empowerment Center has deliver millions of dollars in benefits and served thousands of households. In 2010, the FEC brought back over $10 million to members of the community. New Developments We saw an increase in the number of clients coming in for emergency services such as food pantry, rental arrears and utility assistance. However, many of these clients are already receiving benefits and/or are not eligible for any other benefits. We also had a few clients withdraw from two of our savings programs because then needed the savings to address immediate needs. To combat this we are implementing a finacial counseling program, hopefully, this will be able to reduce the need to withdraw from these savings programs. We also have seen an increase in clients coming in asking about jobs postings. We refer everyone to our key partners and give them full access to our job list.
Find out more information: Call us today. The following are a list of services that the FEC provides to people in the community:
* Free benefits screening and help with claiming food charge cards and vouchers, child care assistances, tax credits & health care.
* Free on site referrals to family counseling for help addressing problems, including domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health care.
* Free tax preparation and filing which is professional and simple.
* Free financial counseling one on one sessions with a trained professional on credit issues, debt issues, budget management and savings strategies.
* Free Financial Literacy & Credit related workshops.
* Access to our Individual Development Account (IDA) program where we match a client’s savings on a 2 to 1 basis. The money can be used for asset building in one of the following areas: Higher Education, homeownership, or starting a new business or expanding an existing one (eligibility is based on income).
* Access to reduced prices for medical prescriptions and in some cases free prescriptions for those who qualify through our Newark Rx Program.
* Free legal counseling concerning housing and tenant issues.
* Free Application for Federal Student Aid Coaching – Financial Aid U: At Newark Now’s VITA Sites we can help those interested in attending college with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We also assist with other issues related to College Access including school selection and college applications.
Current Partnerships:
* Capital One Bank
* Citi Foundation
* City of Newark
* Essex County College
* Essex County Department of Citizens Services
* The Financial Clinic
* National Community Tax Coalition
* Newark Works – One Stop Career Center
* PDA USA
* Single Stop USA
* Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
For additional information, please contact fec@newarknow.org